The scientists found that a subgroup within Batrachospermum shared a structural trait called heterocortication, which means the presence of spherical and cylindrical cells on the organism's main branch. This characteristic is believed to help protect the algae from breaking apart in currents, CSUSM said in a press release.

In addition, the subgroup shared distinct DNA sequences.

"We think it is fitting to name this genus after Dr. Bob Sheath as it has many of the North American taxa that he has worked to elucidate the systematics as well as the ecology,” Vis said in the press release. Sheath has been studying freshwater algae for almost 40 years.

Sheath runs the California Primary Algae Laboratory. The lab partners with the State Water Resources Control Board’s Water Ambient Monitoring Program to collect and catalog fresh water algae samples.